Birmingham to spend $250,000 to land 2016 Democratic convention, pledge $5 million if city selected

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Just a week after the banners were hung, receptions held and tours given to Democratic Party brass, Birmingham is increasing its efforts to clinch the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

The city will spend $250,000 to hire a team of consultants to organize and promote the city's bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

In addition, Birmingham will guarantee $5 million in cash to the DNC event if Birmingham wins its bid. The Birmingham City Council today approved both measures.

"The move today really makes a bold statement that (Mayor Bell) is not only serious about the bid, but the mayor is trying to let the committee know that Birmingham is committed," said Chuck Faush, Mayor William Bell's chief of staff.

The team will assist in recruitment and marketing, Faush said.

Faush said the city has experience hosting large-scale events, but needs more expertise for a major political convention.

"The city hosts events of this magnitude on an annual basis," he said. "When you look at the transportation, housing and hospitality for the ESPN Bowl, Barber Motorsports and the Magic City Classic, yes we do."

A DNC evaluation committee toured Birmingham last Monday and Tuesday.

"We want to make sure that we get them here and that they understand the city of Birmingham is serious about us wanting them here," Council President Johnathan Austin told AL.com this afternoon. "We've said we were serious, but we have to put our money where our mouth is."

The $250,000 will come from last week's sale of the former Alabama Department of Revenue Building. The building at 2024 Third Ave. North was sold to real estate company Shannon Waltchack for $350,000.

Contracts for the city's consultants for the DNC effort will come to a vote later, possibly next week.

The city's $5 million would fulfill the DNC's requirement that a host committee have $5 million on hand as a deposit if its city is selected.

The city's cash would only be available if Birmingham is tapped as the location for the 2016 convention.

Birmingham is in competition with Columbus, Ohio; New York, Philadelphia and Phoenix. Birmingham was the first city on the DNC evaluation committee's list of stops last week.

Birmingham would have to raise about $30 million for upgrades, including at the BJCC, if it successfully lands the convention.

City officials have said another $49 million could come from a federal security grant, bringing the total price tag - public and private cash- to $79 million.

Nevertheless, supporters of Birmingham's 2016 bid said the thousands of visitors attracted, millions spent at hotels and restaurants and the national status gained would make the effort worthwhile.

"The city is in a pivotal moment in history now with (the mayor's) international appeal," Austin said. "The mayor is putting forth every effort to make sure we master this moment. We are going to do that."

The DNC is expected to announce its choice by the end of this year or in early 2015.